Category Archives: dress

LOVE TO DANCE? HERE’S THE PERFECT TRUE VINTAGE MID-CENTURY DRESS. . . . . . . . . . .

IMG_1672With this kind of styling, you could do almost any type of dancing in it, but a Fall gala would be perfect . . . . . or think a cotillion or Homecoming Dance.  You wouldn’t want to waste this fabulous Forties frock on the local beer joint, would you?

This dress, I suspect, is from the late Forties Post-war era though it could be from the early 1950’s.  Black rayon with velvet cord decoration and those sleeves with ruching.  I enjoy picking up on tailoring details that I’ve seen before (check out the ’40’s day dress from about a week ago).

It’s the velvet cording that is the stand-out feature.  Looks like it was from a small designer line and styled with an eye to giving it a luxurious look.  Originally found in a Southern U.S. state, you can imagine the social functions and elegant affairs that it may have attended on the back of some lovely Society belle . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

CUTE CUSTOM-TAILORED DAY DRESS WITH MATCHING SCARF – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL

Source: CUTE CUSTOM-TAILORED DAY DRESS WITH MATCHING SCARF – TRUE VINTAGE FOR FALL

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S SILK SHANTUNG SHEATH – CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Source: TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S SILK SHANTUNG SHEATH – CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE MID-1960’S SILK SHANTUNG SHEATH – CLASSIC LITTLE BLACK DRESS

IMG_1664Basic, basic, basic – but nothing is more elegant.  Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover it!

Bateau neckline with an easy shape and kick pleat. Long metal zipper in back.  It can be accessorized in so many ways and will look unique on women with slightly different body shapes.  And, the fabric . . . . . . . .

This silk shantung sheath was tailored for tall juniors and Stella barely qualifies at 5’7”, so the fit would be transformed on a taller girl with correct measurements for a true vintage 12/13 size.

Styles like this endure with ease over many decades and become increasingly difficult to find in the same quality as the years go on.  Sometimes a little change in the hemline is called for, but otherwise it’ll stand on its own forever, with delicate care.

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE CUSTOM-TAILORED 1930’S/1940’S BEADED, BIAS-CUT GOWN

IMG_1663A sapphire blue gown, with cutout detail at the front and back V-necklines, with seed-bead embellishments.  All hand-done in bias-cut rayon, so the drape is fabulous!

It’s another squeaker to get into, so Stella is in her element.  A side waist opening closes with hooks and eyes.  You can just see the belt that ties in back to cinch the waist even further.

Pleated elbow-length sleeves complete the design and careful piecing makes sure that it follows every curve . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING.

BEAUTIFUL AND SOPHISTICATED FORTIES FROCK – DRESSY ELEGANCE FOR DAY OR EVENING

IMG_1661Gorgeous rayon belted shirtwaist-style with peplum detail and rhinestone buttons.  Perhaps suitable for a Society event and, certainly, for an elegant dinner.

What’s not to love?  The tailoring is lovely and the fit is flattering.  Of course, it’s just right for Stella, with her wasp waist. This is another Post-war design, reflecting the elegance that women were able to enjoy again when WWII was over.  There will be more to come, then –

a variety of mid-century finds that have just appeared . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940’S SWISHY FALL DAY DRESS

TRUE VINTAGE LATE 1940'S SWISHY FALL DAY DRESS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS

TRUE VINTAGE 1940's BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS.

TRUE VINTAGE 1940’s BLACK CREPE DRESS WITH METALLIC EMBELLISHMENTS

IMG_1660Elegant, elegant, elegant – classic black crepe with metallic chevron shapes all over.  This frock has heft and presence!  I especially love the design of the neckline, which closes with buttons at the nape of the neck.

The weight of the decoration shapes the drape of the crepe (ooh, I’m a poet!) by keeping it close to the body.  The cut is slim and narrow, anyway, with skinny sleeves and a side zipper.  Perfect mid-century size 10.

Definitely dressy – it wasn’t wasted on a trip to the grocery!  Perfect for dinner or an important affair.  Alas, this is not the original belt though changing it from this buckled style to a plain black crepe-covered style or a chain belt will alter the feel of the dress to fit the mood or the place I’m headed.  Picture it . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM